Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

Which of the following is a key characteristic of "turns about a point"?

1. Turns are made in a straight line

2. Constant altitude must be maintained

3. Flight is performed at an altitude of below 600 ft AGL

4. Use of vertical reference points exclusively

The correct answer is: Constant altitude must be maintained

Maintaining a constant altitude is essential during "turns about a point." This maneuver is designed to allow the pilot to practice the skills needed for maneuvering around a specific point on the ground while maintaining steady flight parameters. Keeping altitude constant is crucial because it allows for a consistent radius of the turn while also ensuring safety and control. Performing this maneuver with altitude control helps pilot trainees develop an understanding of how to manage their aircraft’s bank angle and airspeed during turns. It is an exercise that improves spatial orientation, situational awareness, and the ability to manage altitude and heading simultaneously. While other options touch on aspects of aerial maneuvers, they do not align as closely with the fundamental characteristics of "turns about a point." For instance, making turns in a straight line contradicts the nature of this maneuver, which involves circular flight paths around a reference point. Altitude restrictions, like flying below 600 feet AGL, can be situationally dependent but are not universally applied in every training scenario. The reference points used in this maneuver are typically varied and blend horizontal and vertical references based on the pilot's needs and the training objective. Thus, the emphasis on maintaining constant altitude is a defining characteristic of this flight exercise.